Chinese firms appreciated at Cuban tech fair

HAVANA -- Chinese companies have been well received at Cuba's technology fair held here on March 18-22, said organizers Wednesday.

The 15th International Convention and Fair Informatica 2013 has attracted over 1,400 delegates from 30 countries. The Chinese delegation, one of the largest at this event, includes well-known firms such as Haier, Huawei and ZTE.

Owning their individual booths, the Chinese firms have participated as exhibitors and sponsors of the fair since it began in 2007.

Among the wide variety of Chinese products on display, the most popular are telecommunication devices, computers and computing-related products, as well as electrical appliances.

Haier, the world's fourth largest maker of electrical appliances, has showcased the latest LCD televisions and the advantages of digital television.

Haier has also displayed a digital TV application that eliminates any interference from disturbances in reception, generating clearer screen images.

ZTE offers a full range of latest high-tech telecommunication devices, including cellphones, while Huawei displays solar-powered communication equipment.

China is Cuba's second largest trade partner, next only to Venezuela, with an annual trade of more than $2.3 billion in almost all sectors.

China is also a strategic partner of Cuba in computing and telecommunications fields, and the largest provider of capital and consumer goods to the island,including buses, machinery and electrical appliances.

More than 200 Chinese companies have commercial ties with Cuba while more than 20 Cuban firms and organizations are registered in China.

Chinese businessmen attending the fair told Xinhua that the event offered an excellent opportunity to display Chinese products and establish contact with Cubans, which will benefit bilateral trade.

Wu Hao, assistant director of the High-Tech Industry Department of China's National Development and Reform Commission, said Tuesday in Havana that China's digital TV industry will "deepen" international cooperation under the principles of "mutual benefit and common development."

Wu attended an initial test transfer from analogue to digital TV in Havana on Wednesday.